Is it permanent?

Hi ThyGoddess,

That's a very tough question to answer because not everyone is the same. Some people actually do get over IBS even though there is no "cure" for IBS. Some people have changes in their symptoms and some stay the same for many many years. I used to be strictly diarrhea prominant (my IBS started in 1989) but I have since changed to constipation prominant. Your concern for laxative dependency is very real and long term laxative use can be very dangerous (especially stimulant laxatives). Have you tried Miralax? Its not a stimulant laxative but rather an osmotic laxative that pulls water into the bowel to allow the passing of waste in your colon. I take this everyday for a few years now and that with my diet change has done wonders for me. I also take fiber supplements that have helped well. You need to drink a lot of water with fiber though because fiber can backfire and cause constipation if not. It does bulk your stool. Eating fruits helps a lot too. I hope you can get your scope soon, I'm sorry your wait is so long. Please let us know how it goes.

Take Care

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"Des"

_{Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

_{Co-Moderator ~ Lupus Forum} 

_{Dx: IBS 1989, Diverticulosis 2004, Idiopathic Acute Colitis 2006, UCTD 2007
Meds: Plaquenil 400mg, Chlorzoxazone 500mg, Lyrica 50mg, Protonix 40mg, Naproxen 1000mg, Klonopin PRN, Miralax 17g, Supplements}


^{https://www.healingwell.com/donate}

What is a short colonscopy? do you mean a sigmoidoscopy? If that is what you mean then I would insist on getting the full colonscopy as with your problem you really need the full one. The other doesn't even begin to go past the first curve. Miralax has not been available all the long over the counter but they seem to have displays everywhere now. By chance are you taking calcium as that can cause constipation? as can cheese. I would not wait all that time for an incomplete test since you are having real problems and a sigmoid will really not tell you very much.

My Gastroenterologist says there is no cure for IBS.

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SnowyLynne